Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacksonville Run Club.
Hi Jacksonville Run Club, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
The Jacksonville Run Club started with a simple idea from three Jacksonville natives: Jaylen Fowler, Jerome Jordan, and Rique Bentley. We saw a need in our city for community, connection, and physical fitness. All three of us were passionate about fitness, personal growth, and giving back. We believed running had the power to bring people together, so we started hosting Saturday morning runs at Friendship Fountain.
The first run brought out 20 people. Since then, those numbers have tripled, and what began as a small gathering has grown into a family.
What makes us different isn’t just that we run. It’s that we connect. Every step we take represents more than exercise. It’s a commitment to health, goals, and community. We’ve grown through word of mouth, social media, and the belief that simply showing up can create real change.
Today, Jacksonville Run Club is more than a run club. It’s a movement rooted in consistency, discipline, and love for our city. We welcome all levels, support one another, and stay true to our mission: empowering Jacksonville through fitness, friendship, and accountability.
We’re just getting started.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all, but that’s what makes the journey real.
When we first started, we didn’t have a blueprint. We had a vision, a group chat, and a commitment to show up. Some weeks the turnout was low, and we questioned if people really saw the value in what we were building. We had to learn how to stay consistent even when it felt like no one was watching.
Coordinating schedules, balancing personal lives, and managing everything from social media to water bottles hasn’t always been easy. We’ve faced weather challenges, early mornings after long weeks, and the pressure of creating something meaningful with limited resources.
But every obstacle made us stronger. Every small challenge pushed us to adapt, to keep going, and to stay rooted in our purpose. What’s kept us going is the community. The people who show up, bring their energy, and make this more than a run club.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been worth it.
We’ve been impressed with Jacksonville Run Club, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Jacksonville Run Club is more than a group of people who run. We’re a community-driven organization focused on physical fitness, connection, and community. We bring people together every Tuesday evening at 6 PM and Saturday morning at 7 AM at Friendship Fountain to move with purpose and build meaningful relationships through running.
What we do is simple. We show up, we run, and we support one another. But what we specialize in is consistency, accountability, and creating a space where everyone, from first-timers to experienced runners, feels welcomed and motivated. We’re known for our energy, our culture, and the positive environment we’ve built from the ground up.
What sets us apart is our mission. We aren’t just a club that runs together. We’re a family that holds each other accountable, celebrates progress, and pours back into the city we love. We blend fitness with connection, and we’re intentional about making every run feel like something bigger than just exercise.
Brand wise, we’re most proud of the culture. The unity. The vibe. People show up for the run, but they stay for the people. That’s what makes Jacksonville Run Club special.
We want readers to know that this is just the beginning. We’re building something that has the power to impact lives, one run at a time. We’re expanding into community events, partnerships, and opportunities that will allow us to serve the city in more ways than one. Whether you’re looking to get active, meet new people, or just start your week with purpose, there’s a place for you here.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson we’ve learned is the power of consistency. It’s not about having the biggest crowd or the perfect conditions every time. It’s about showing up, whether it’s raining or sunny, whether you’re tired or full of energy, whether five people come out or fifty.
Consistency builds trust. It creates momentum. And over time, it transforms a simple idea into a movement that people believe in. We’ve learned that if you keep showing up with purpose and passion, the community will grow around that energy.
Another big lesson has been to stay focused on impact over image. It’s easy to get caught up in numbers, likes, and aesthetics, but what really matters is the way people feel when they leave a run. Motivated, seen, and part of something bigger.
Those lessons have shaped who we are and they continue to guide how we grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.runclubjacksonville.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacksonvillerunclub/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1LxJsnRTP8/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/JacksonvilleRunClub
